More evidence needed on efficacy of helplines for cancer callers

Abstract

Telephone helplines, whose staff provide practical instruction, information and emotional and social welfare support to patients with cancer, are common across the western world. When evaluated, such services achieve high levels of caller satisfaction. However, most evaluation methods do not measure the effect on psychosocial wellbeing. In this systematic review, researchers from Australia examined 28 papers, and extracted and evaluated data on the characteristics of users, call content and satisfaction. The researchers concluded that most of the studies tended to be descriptive and that there is a lack of robust research evidence for the effectiveness of such services and how and whether such resources improve user outcomes. They advocate the development of more rigorous means of evaluating the efficacy and efficiency of such services. Clinton-McHarg T, Paul C, Boyes A et al (2014) Do cancer helplines deliver benefits to people affected by cancer? A systematic review. Patient Education and Counseling. 97, 3, 302-309.